Douglas County has instituted a fire ban in unincorporated parts of the county and in national forests.

The ban prohibits open burning of any kind, the sale and use of fireworks, use of charcoal grills and fires in chimneys, portable fireplaces or patio fire pits.

Cooking on gas or liquid-fueled stoves or grills is permitted.

Violation of the fire restrictions is a Class-2 petty offense, punishable by up to a $600 fine and a $22 surcharge.

Douglas County is the latest county to ban open fires, as the dry weather has led to numerous wildfires in recent weeks. Others counties with fire bans include Jefferson, Arapahoe, Boulder and Clear Creek. Denver’s mountain parks also have fire bans in place.

Additional information on fire restriction stages can be located at the Douglas County Emergency Management website: